McDonald’s Withdraws AI-Generated Christmas Ad Amid Backlash
McDonald’s has withdrawn a Christmas advertisement created using artificial intelligence after facing significant online backlash. The 45-second video debuted on the company’s Netherlands YouTube channel on December 6, 2023, but was removed just three days later, on December 9.
Controversial AI-Generated Holiday Ad
The advertisement, produced by TBWANeboko and The Sweetshop, featured AI-generated clips highlighting potential mishaps during the holiday season. It included the provocative message, “the most terrible time of the year,” implying that the festivities are better enjoyed with McDonald’s.
- Release Date: December 6, 2023
- Removal Date: December 9, 2023
- Duration: 45 seconds
Public Reaction
Viewers quickly expressed their dissatisfaction on social media. Many criticized the ad’s visual quality, deeming the AI-generated characters as “creepy” and the overall editing as “poor.” One user remarked that it was “the most god-awful ad I’ve seen this year.”
Concerns about job displacement in the industry also surfaced. An Instagram comment highlighted the absence of human actors and camera crews, lamenting the shift towards AI in filmmaking.
Company Response
In a statement to BBC News, McDonald’s acknowledged the backlash. They emphasized that the experience was a “learning moment” while exploring the effective use of AI in advertising. The company aimed to convey the stress of holiday moments but ultimately decided to withdraw the controversial ad.
Industry Trends
The trend of using generative AI in advertisements is becoming increasingly popular among major brands. Coca-Cola recently released its second AI-generated Christmas ad, which reportedly achieved a 61% positive sentiment rating from viewers, although not without criticism. Other brands, like Valentino, have faced backlash for similar use of AI, with critics calling their ads “cheap” and “lazy.”
As the advertising landscape evolves, the balance between innovation and authenticity remains a delicate matter for companies. The growing reliance on AI-generated content raises questions about creativity and the future of the industry.
